Vitamin D3 ‐loaded nanophytosomes for enrichment purposes: Formulation, structure optimization, and controlled release

Abstract This study was aimed at using the nanophytosome delivery system to increase stability and controlled release of vitamin D3 due to the low stability of vitamin D3 during storage and digestion conditions. Response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the effect of reaction temperature, and ratios of vitamin D3/lecithin and complex/solvent on the responses. The optimum phytosome was characterized for differential scanning calorimetry, morphology, stability, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), antioxidant activity, moisture content, solubility, and in vitro release kinetics. FTIR spectra indicated the complex between vitamin D3 and lecithin was formed by hydrogen bonds. The optimum phytosome had a protective effect on the antioxidant activity of vitamin D3 and also had a significant increase in the solubility of vitamin D3 into aquatic media. The release of vitamin D3 in the intestine medium followed the Fickian diffusion mechanism. The optimization of variables to produce optimum phytosome increased their stability during storage. Practical applications A main part of the people nowadays are suffering with the lack of vitamin D3 majorly related to the loss of 7‐hydrocholesterol resources available in the skin over the years, due to the lack of contact with ultraviolet (UV) light. Several benefits reported for vitamin D3 intake including the increase of calcium and phosphorus absorption in the small intestine and the homeostasis of these minerals in the bloodstream, which prevent diseases as osteoporosis among others. Fat‐soluble vitamins such as vitamin D3 are sensitive compounds that should be protected from oxidation agents. Entrapment of vitamin D3 in phytosomes is an effective way to protect the main properties of vitamin D3 during the storage, production of an enriched food supplement with vitamin D3, and creates a physicochemical barrier against oxidation agents such as free radicals, oxygen, or UV light.